Landscaping with Native Plants

Landscaping with Native Plants

What are Native Plants?

Native plants are simply those plants
that grew in New Hampshire before the arrival of European settlers.

Why landscape with natives?

It has taken more than 10,000 years
since the end of the last ice age for our native plant communities to
develop. For this reason alone native plants are as much a part of what
makes New Hampshire unique as our mountains, lakes, rivers, and coastline.
In addition, native plant communities provide vital habitat for New
Hampshire’s wildlife.

Native plants are also non-invasive.
They pose no threat to native plant communities if they escape
cultivation. Introduced plants such as purple loosestrife can takeover
wetlands and other native habitats.

Whether you are building or moving into
an established neighborhood, plan your landscaping to take advantage of
the wide variety of native plants that may already be growing on your lot.
Supplement these with well-chosen native plants from a reputable nursery
or carefully collected wild plants.

Each of New Hampshire’s native plants
has specific habitat requirements. For example, some native plants live
near the coast, others only in the more northern parts of the state.

“Think Soil Moisture”

Some native plants like
their soil dry, some like it wet, while others tolerate a wide range of
soil moisture. For soil information, including soil drainage class,
consult your County Soil Survey or the local Conservation District.

“Think Shade Tolerance”

Some native plants like to grow in full
sun, others grow only in shade.

Take time to determine the
characteristics of your property and use plants that are appropriate. You
can find native plants that are well adapted to virtually all combinations
of soil moisture, shade and other site conditions.

Native plants can fit into almost any landscape plan. To the left is
a landscape design done for a house on a river, where native plantings are even
more important for wildlife. Areas that are typically very dry are also in need of native plantings for the
endangered Karner Blue Butterfly.

Remember, native plantings can be naturalized or
well-manicured -- it's up to you!

Where do I get native plants?

Many nurseries and Conservation
Districts sell native plants. Try and get plants that have been grown
locally, as they will probably do best in our climate.

Some species of native plants can be
successfully transplanted from other locations. Make sure that you have
landowner permission before collecting native plants. Do not attempt to
transplant rare plants. If you are not sure whether a wild plant is
rare or will survive transplanting, ask someone knowledgeable for advice.